The Digital Hub Development Strategy 2001 & Digital Depot

Concept development and implementation of first phase of the Digital Hub Development, delivering a new model of community public private partnership (CPPP) in the Liberties / Coombe area of Dublin and developing a digital media cluster, with community-based lifelong learning projects. The development of the Digital Depot Enterprise Centre and Network Operations Centre was completed and 50 companies located in 3 buildings developed specially for their needs. The Liberties Learning Initiative operates in 16 schools locally and provides 35 different FETAC-accredited programmes.

The Digital Hub is an Irish Government initiative to create an international centre of excellence for knowledge, innovation and creativity focused on digital content and technology enterprises that will deliver significant urban regeneration in the Liberties area of Dublin.

We provided strategic planning and implementation of the first phase of the project from 2000—2004. This involved devising a comprehensive development strategy; spatial and business planning for development proposals; and a framework for ensuring the successful integration of the project into the Liberties / Coombe area to ensure the Digital Hub would act as a vehicle of urban regeneration, bringing learning and employment prospects to the local community. The CPPP process was established as a new model of community, public, private partnership.

Outcomes of the successful implementation of phase 1 of the development strategy included:

— Devising and securing sponsorship for the Diageo Liberties Learning Initiative – a community-based lifelong learning project.
— Project Management and Interior Fit-out of the Digital Depot flagship enterprise centre with advanced telecommunications infrastructure; creating the demand and letting the refurbished enterprise space to 40+ companies.
— Devising and producing a programme of showcasing events and establishing networks reflecting the vision for a creative cluster, including DigiBoarding, Exhibit, and DigiStorytelling.
— Local community radio station Liber8FM.

All images courtesy of the Digital Hub Development Agency.

4D Applications

  • Concept
  • Mapping
  • Facilitation
  • Design Development
  • Procurement